Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Day 24! We are celebrating by posting information about Down syndrome each day in October, during the 31 for 21 challenge. Feel free to share these posts to help spread awareness and acceptance.

Hypotonia or low muscle is common in individuals with Down syndrome. When a person has low muscle tone they often have to work harder to accomplish everyday tasks. Things like sitting upright in a chair, holding a pencil or playing a game at recess becomes much more tiring for individuals with Down syndrome.Just like the typically developing population, individuals Down syndrome have to worry about weight gain as they get older. However, since gross motor activities require so much more effort, some children with Ds can start to face this challenge at a much earlier age. As an organization, Down Syndrome Advocates in Action understands how important exercise and activity is to all of our families. For this reason we try to incorporate some type of physical activity into many of our events. This Friday October 28, 2016 we are having a Down Syndrome Awareness Month Ball Night Celebration, with basketball, balloons, pumpkin decorating, karaoke, pizza and more. Our special guests will be around 15 Husker Athletes. This free event is being held at St. Mark’s Church on 84th and Pioneers in Lincoln from 5:30-8. Register here so we make sure to bring enough pizza and pumpkins. Hope to see you there!